FF9: Remnants of Terra

Chapter 1: Reunion

Zidane rushed down the streets of Lindblum's Theatre district. His friends were having a reunion with Tantalus.

Man...Three years since Kuja's defeat...and Alexandria and Lindblum are almost done with repairs.

He turned down another street and then stopped at the Tantalus Hideout. There, he saw the friendly faces of Freya and Eiko waiting for him.

"Zidane!!!" Eiko ran over to him and gave him a hug, followed closely by Freya.

"How are you Zidane?"

He peered up at Freya and smiled.

"I'm doing great. And look at the two of you...you seem well."

Eiko nodded and pulled on his hand. "Come on! Garnet and the others are waiting!"

As Eiko dragged him to the door, his mind was swimming.

Garnet...she's here? That's great! But...that means...Rusty...oh no...

Zidane chuckled to himself as he walked in behind Eiko. Freya brought up the rear and shut the door behind her.

"Zidane..." Garnet walked over to him and he smiled warmly.

"Garnet...it's good to see you again."

She nodded and gave him a hug, which he gladly returned. Garnet pulled away as Vivi came running, unfortunately tripping onto his face at Zidane's feet.

"Careful there, Vivi." Zidane stooped down and helped the little black mage up. Vivi straightened his mage's hat and smiled at him.

"Th...Thanks. It's nice to see you too Zidane. It has been a while."

Zidane nodded and looked around the room. He saw Steiner "Rusty" in the corners, who gave a brief salute; Freya was across the room, speaking with Eiko...and Garnet was by his side in the center of the room. The rest of Tantalus was elsewhere at the moment, which left Quina Quen and Amarant missing. He noticed a glint of metal out of the corner of his eye. Turning slightly, he caught sight of Amarant, who was leaning up against the wall in the shadows of a corner. Amarant lifted his head and nodded to Zidane.

So...that leaves Quina...

Scanning the room once more, it was confirmed that Quina Quen was missing.

"Hey…Where's Quina?"

Eiko looked at Zidane. "Quina said to apologize about not being able to make it. S/he is busy learning new cooking techniques from Quan."

Zidane nodded thoughtfully. "Oh…I was hoping that Quina would be here. I hope s/he is having fun with the lessons."

Garnet's hand gently touched Zidane's arm. He turned to face her as she spoke.

"I am sorry that I cannot stay for more than today. I must return to Alexandria early tomorrow because I have a meeting with Uncle Cid, Prince Puck and the nobles...and unfortunately, I cannot delay it."

Zidane smiled and nodded. "I understand...but you're going to have some spare time sooner of later…Maybe then you can visit then."

Garnet nodded and hugged him again. "Yes. Perhaps...perhaps then I shall visit again." She walked over to a chair and sat down. Everyone gathered around and soon they were talking about the past three years and just having a good time.